Q: It is reported that the Arab League Foreign Ministers' Meeting held on November 24 required the Syrian Government to sign a protocol within 24 hours allowing the Arab League's monitoring mission to enter the country. Otherwise, Syria will face economic sanctions. What is China's comment?

A: Highly concerned over the situation in Syria, China hopes that the Arab League and Syria will bear in mind the Syrian people's fundamental interests and peace and stability of the Middle East, enhance communication and coordination to end the Syrian crisis and resolve relevant issues appropriately. China believes that it is realistic, feasible and in the common interests of Syria, Arab countries as well as the international community to solve the Syrian issue within the framework of the Arab League. China once again urges all relevant parties in Syria to stop all forms of violence, launch an inclusive and balanced political process as soon as possible so as to ease the situation. The international community should provide constructive assistance to that end.

Q: On November 24, the EU Climate Commissioner was quoted as saying that the Kyoto Protocol was out of tune with the current global economic trend. Developed countries whose emission is on a constant decrease are subject to mandatory emission reduction, while developing countries only reduce their emission voluntarily. The EU will bring up a new roadmap at the Durban Conference and push other countries to identify their emission reduction goals. All these require the participation of the US, China, Brazil, India and South Africa. What is China's comment?

A: One should pay attention to two basic facts. First, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol are the most universal international treaties, whose principles and framework are recognized by the international community as obligations under international law that should be fulfilled by all signatories. Second, developed and developing countries are of different historical responsibilities and at different stages of development. Therefore, it is natural for them to have different trends of emission and tasks of emission reduction. That is the very reason why we have to follow through on the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities, equity and respective capabilities.

As the Durban Conference is approaching, it is imperative to make headway on essential issues, including the second commitment period of the Protocol, funding and technological support. We hope all parties show more sincerity, enhance mutual understanding and strengthen cooperation so as to push for comprehensive and balanced outcomes of the Durban Conference.

In terms of realizing the goal of voluntary emission mitigation, China's actions and achievements are well-known to all. China will stick fast to the green and low-carbon development path which has been prescribed in the sustainable development strategy and the 12th Five-Year Plan of the Chinese Government, contributing to the global campaign against climate change.

Q: It is said that the meeting of Chinese and Indian special representatives on the boundary issue will be held soon. Would you please give us more information?

A: China and India are in communication on the specific date and other issues of the meeting. I have no information to provide at the moment.

Q: The BRICS countries held a vice-ministerial consultation on the situation in the Middle East region in Moscow on November 24 and released a joint communiqué. Please brief us on that.

A: On November 24, the BRICS countries, including China, Russia, India, Brazil and South Africa, held a vice-ministerial consultation in Moscow, exchanging views on the situation in the Middle East region. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun led a delegation to the meeting.

The joint communiqué released by the meeting calls on all parties to respect the sovereign independence and territorial integrity of the Middle East countries, engage in broad dialogue in a peaceful manner and actively strive for the settlement of crisis. The BRICS countries oppose outside forces' interference in regional countries' internal affairs and maintain that the UN Security Council should play a positive role and all parties should rigorously implement the mandate of the Security Council.

China took an active part in the consultation. Vice Minister Zhai Jun stated that changes in the Middle East have stricken the political situation and every social aspect of regional countries, causing a major impact on international political, economic and security landscapes. A Middle East featuring open and inclusive politics, independent foreign policies, sustainable economic development as well as peace and stability serves the common interests of regional countries and the international community. The BRICS countries should stand together to help ease regional tensions gradually and support the independent political transition and economic and social reconstruction of regional countries. Meanwhile, the BRICS countries should enhance communication and coordination, uphold the spirit of openness and cooperation, jointly safeguard the basic norms of international law and oppose outside forces' military interference in the region. China stands ready to work together with the international community, the BRICS included, to play a constructive part in realizing peace, stability and development of the Middle East region.

Q: Australian Defence Minister was recently quoted as saying that Australia would consider holding joint military exercises with China and the US. What is China's attitude in this regard?

A: We have the following viewpoints on the Asia-Pacific issue for your reference. The 21st century should be one of peace, development and cooperation. The Asia-Pacific region should follow the trend of times. In order to maintain enduring peace in the Asia-Pacific region, all parties should safeguard and promote peace, stability and prosperity, respect and treat each other as equals, live in harmony and strive for common development. The Asia Pacific should take into consideration the actual conditions and historical experience of the region and accommodate everyone's comfort level through full consultation. China will make unswerving and unremitting efforts with all parties to safeguard and promote regional peace, stability and prosperity.

On your question, China upholds the new thinking on security featuring mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and coordination and hopes all parties will do so together with China in the 21st century of peace, development and cooperation.

Q: US Secretary of State Clinton will soon pay a visit to Myanmar. What is China's expectation?

A: China hopes that the US will enhance contact and improve relations with Myanmar on the basis of mutual respect. China respects the development path chosen by Myanmar in keeping with its domestic conditions and hopes that the domestic and foreign policy measures of the Government of Myanmar will be conducive to its stability and development.